Design Glossary

1. Color, also called Hue, is light reflected off objects. Color has three main characteristics: hue or its name (red, green, blue, etc.), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is).
   
   
2. Direction All lines have direction - Horizontal, Vertical or Oblique. Horizontal suggests calmness, stability and tranquility. Vertical gives a feeling of balance, formality and alertness. Oblique suggests movement and action
   
   
3. Line is a mark with greater length than width. Lines can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin.
   
   
4. Size is simply the relationship of the area occupied by one shape to that of another.
   
   
5. Space is the area between and around objects. The space around objects is often called negative space; negative space has shape. Space can also refer to the feeling of depth. Real space is three-dimensional; in visual art when we can create the feeling or illusion of depth we call it space.
   
   
6. Texture is the surface quality of a shape - rough, smooth, soft hard glossy etc. Texture can be physical (tactile) or visual.
   
   
7. Value is the lightness or darkness of a color. Value is also called tone

1. **__Balance__** is the distribution of the weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side; in asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.
   
   
2. Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area will be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.
   
   
3. Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the artwork, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines edges, shape and color within the artwork.
   
   
4. Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the artwork.
   
   
5. Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.
   
   
6. Repetition works with pattern to make the artwork seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within the artwork.
   
   
7. Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Variety is essential to keep rhythm exciting and active, and moving the viewer around the artwork. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing.
   
   
8. Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the artwork creating a sense of completeness.
   
   
9. Variety is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through the artwork.